평판
pyeongpan[ˈpʰjɘ(ː)ŋpʰa̠n]
In Korean, 'reputation' can be translated as 평판 (pyeongpan) or 명성.
Meaning: what somebody is known for (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 평판 | pyeongpan | [ˈpʰjɘ(ː)ŋpʰa̠n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 명성 | myeongseong | [mjʌ̹ŋsʰʌ̹ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The word 평판 refers to a person's general reputation or how they are perceived by the public or a community. To describe the quality of a reputation, you can use the phrases 평판이 좋다 to say someone has a good reputation or 평판이 나쁘다 to say someone has a bad reputation. If you want to express the act of earning or gaining a reputation, use the phrase 평판을 얻다.
Which one should you use?
While 평판 is a neutral term for a general social reputation, 명성 is used specifically to describe fame or renown. 명성 carries a positive connotation and is typically associated with high status or great achievements.
How do you pronounce it?
pyeongpan
Did you know?
- The word 명성 is composed of characters meaning 'name' and 'sound'. In a Korean context, your reputation is literally the 'sound' your name makes in the world.
- In Korean culture, the concept of 체면 ('saving face') is often more critical than 평판 ('reputation'), as it refers to the immediate social dignity one must maintain in a specific interaction.
- The idiomatic expression 이름값 treats a person's reputation as a monetary value that must be paid or lived up to.
Examples in context
- 내 평판은 파탄났어.My reputation has been destroyed.This sentence uses 평판 to show how a person's reputation can be destroyed.Tatoeba #8360697 by Eunhee, translation #3831721 by CK
- 그 식당은 평판이 아주 좋아.geu sikdang-eun pyeongpan-i aju joa.That restaurant has a very good reputation.
- 그는 회사에서 평판이 나빠요.geu-neun hoesa-eseo pyeongpan-i nappa-yo.He has a bad reputation at the company.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Seoyeon are discussing a new job candidate.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이 후보자는 업계 평판이 어때요?i hubojaneun eopgye pyeongpan-i eottaeyo?What is this candidate's reputation in the industry?
- 서연 Seo-yeon능력이 좋다는 평판이 많아요.neungryeogi jodatneun pyeongpan-i manayo.There are many reputations that he is capable.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 다행이네요.jeongmal dahaeng-ineyo.That is a relief.
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 믿고 채용해도 될 것 같아요.ne, mitgo chaeyonghaedo doel geot gatayo.Yes, I think we can trust him and hire him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “reputation” translations and entries 평판, 명성, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 명성, 평판, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
